Case Study: Aran Islands Energy Co-Op advances island microgrid decarbonisation with Integrated Environmental Solutions’ Digital Twin technology

Aran Islands Energy Co-Op models 706 buildings with Integrated Environmental Solutions

The Aran Islands Energy Co-Op, a community-owned organization, aimed to decarbonize the island of Inishmore by creating a peer-to-peer microgrid to generate its own clean electricity and reduce reliance on the national grid. A significant challenge was the lack of existing smart meter data to measure energy consumption and plan this complex system. Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) was engaged to support this goal using its ICL Digital Twin technology to conduct a comprehensive research study and create a dynamic energy model.

IES implemented a solution by first performing a detailed manual audit of 706 buildings on the island, as street view data was unavailable, and digitizing this information into its ICL Digital Twin platform to create a simulated energy profile. This model provided a crucial baseline for the microgrid and allows residents to run hypothetical scenarios to plan future investments. Although the project is still in its final calibration phase, the Digital Twin has already proven that installing PV panels will provide maximum benefit and has established a blueprint for the community's peer-to-peer trading network. Integrated Environmental Solutions' work has provided the co-op with the data and interactive tools needed to facilitate its transition to clean, locally generated energy.

Aran Islands Energy Co-Op